Graduate Studies

Speech Language Pathology

Program Description

The Speech-Language Pathology program qualifies graduates for clinical positions in communication disorders throughout the nation.  The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Candidates for the Master’s degree fulfill academic and clinical requirements established by ASHA for the Certificate of Clinical Competence.  Requirements for the CCC include at least:

  1. Specified Courses in basic science
  2. 36 semester credits in professional course work at the graduate level
  3. 75 minimum semester credits
  4. 400 hours of supervised observation and practicum experience
  5. Some of these requirements are met by undergraduate courses

Curriculum changes are anticipated as the new ASHA standards are implemented. Enrollment is limited. Applications must be postmarked by February 1. International students must complete the application process by January 1. Completing the degree requirements involves two years of full-time study.

Admission Requirements

Application Deadline:  February 1 for Fall Semester

  1. Baccalaureate degree in Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences from a regionally accredited institution. A student with no background in this field of study will be expected to take basic undergraduate prerequisites before applying.
  2. 2.75 grade point average overall, or a 3.25 on the last 30 semester hours of graded course work.
  3. Completed "Application for Admission to Graduate Study" form.
  4. Undergraduate and other transcripts sent directly from the institution to the Graduate Studies Office.
  5. Non-refundable $20.00 fee for first-time applicants to Minnesota State University Moorhead.
  6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Only official scores are accepted; no more than five years old.
  7. SLHS Departmental Application Form.
  8. Letters of recommendation (forms available online).
  9. Proficiency in English language including TOEFL score of at least 570 paper-based or 230 computer-based for students whose native language is not English.

Degree Requirements

  1. Minimum of 53 credits—required courses, elective courses, a research experience (thesis or research project), and clinical practica.
  2. Students who wish to transfer credits from other institutions or have taken courses before admission to the graduate program should refer to the "Residence and Transfer of Credit" section for further information.
  3. 3.0 grade point average required for courses submitted for the degree. Grades of C- or below cannot be counted toward the degree. A grade of C+ or lower in Clinical Experience will prevent a student from registering for Clinical Experience the following semester. Only one course (three semester credits maximum) at the 500 level can be accepted for the degree.
  4. Comprehensive written examination based on ASHA certification examination (NESPA).
  5. Thesis or project.
  6. Oral examination.

A maximum of one workshop credit may be counted toward the major, providing the workshops are offered for graduate credit at MSUM.

Detailed information on these requirements and department policies and procedures may be obtained from the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program Coordinator. Further information on degree requirements may be found in General Degree Requirements.

M.S. Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Core Requirements (5-7 Credits)
Students must complete SLP 696 or SLP 699.
SLP 601 Research Design in Speech-Language Pathology (3)
SLP 696 Research Project (2)
SLP 699 Thesis (4)

Clinical Requirements (18 Credits)
Students will complete various practicum experiences as directed by a faculty advisor.
SLP 646 Clinical Experience (3)

Academic Requirements (28-30 Credits)
Students will need to earn between 28 and 30 credits of SLP electives depending upon whether they have selected SLP 696 or SLP 699. All students are required to earn at least 53 credits to accomplish the degree. Students may choose electives from the courses listed below or other SLP courses with consent of the advisor.

SLHS 502 Neuroanatomy/Physiology of Communication and Swallowing (3)
SLHS 573 Rehabilitation Audiology (4)
SLP 621 Seminar: Phonological Disorders and Cleft Palate (2)
SLP 624 Seminar: Stuttering and Related Fluency Disorders (2)
SLP 626 Language Development and Disorders in Adolescents (2)
SLP 627 Communication in Normal Aging and Dementia (2)
SLP 630 Adult Neurogenic Language Disorders I (3)
SLP 631 Pediatric and Adult Motor Speech Disorders (3)
SLP 641 Seminar: Child Language Disorders (2)
SLP 642 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3)
SLP 647 Diagnostic and Appraisal Procedures (3)
SLP 681 Pediatric and Adult Swallowing Disorders (3)
SLP 690 Topical Seminar in Speech, Language Pathology & Audiology (1-3)
SLP 697 Individual Study (1-3)

Request Additional Information

Program information:

Application information:
Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program
Minnesota State University Moorhead
1104 7th Ave. S.
Moorhead, MN 56563
(218) 477-2286
e-mail: mcgilliv@mnstate.edu		 Graduate Studies Office
Minnesota State University Moorhead
1104 7th Ave. S.
Moorhead, MN 56563
(218) 477-2344
e-mail:  graduate@mnstate.edu
Application for Admission to Graduate Study